EL MESON DEL PARAISO RESTAURANT

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Establishment does not have probe thermometer during time of inspection. - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-09: Establishment does not have probe thermometer during time of inspection. Time Extended

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed in reach in cooler to the right of ice maker caramel pastry and cake prepared on site more than 24 hours not date marked. - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-09: Observed in reach in cooler to the right of ice maker caramel pastry and cake prepared on site more than 24 hours not date marked. Time Extended

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Miguel H. And Alfonso S. Engaging in food preparation with training certificates that expire 02/13/26. - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-09: Observed Miguel H. And Alfonso S. Engaging in food preparation with training certificates that expire 02/13/26. Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled with food debris in walk in cooler behind shelves. Observed floor soiled with food debris below cook line at kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-09: Observed floor soiled with food debris in walk in cooler behind shelves. Observed floor soiled with food debris below cook line at kitchen. Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed in reach in cooler across from fryer station soiled gaskets. - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-09: Observed in reach in cooler across from fryer station soiled gaskets. Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed accumulation of grease on walls behind reach in coolers across from cook line Observed accumulation of grease on walls behind cook line in kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-09: Observed accumulation of grease on walls behind reach in coolers across from cook line Time Extended

High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Observed employee working with raw mussels and calamari then proceed to cook on the line without washing hands. Employee was coached on proper procedure and proceeded to wash hands and change gloves. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed in walk in cooler raw chicken stored above heavy cream. Employee stored raw chicken below heavy cream. Observed in reach in cooler to the left of cook line raw beef stored over mixed greens. Operator stored raw beef below mixed greens Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed in walk in cooler 6 whole snapper commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged. Employee discarded whole snapper during time of inspection.

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at preparation table across from fryer at cook line heavy cream (67F - Cold Holding), as per operator less than 4 hours. Employee stored heavy cream in reach in cooler. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on shelf below preparation table fish stock (66F - Hot Holding), as per operator less than 4 hours. Employee reheated fish stock (187F - Reheating). Observed at cook line to the left of grill cooked corn (96F - Hot Holding), as per operator less than 4 hours. Employee reheated cooked corn (187F - Reheating) Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash to the left of dish machine sink blocked by garbage container. Employee moved garbage container. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed dirty metal bowl in hand wash sink to the right of dish machine. Employee removed metal bowl from container. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Establishment does not have probe thermometer during time of inspection.

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed in reach in cooler to the right of ice maker caramel pastry and cake prepared on site more than 24 hours not date marked.

Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Miguel H. And Alfonso S. Engaging in food preparation with training certificates that expire 02/13/26.

Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed in walk in cooler 6 whole snapper commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged. Employee discarded whole snapper during time of inspection. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed personal drink container on preparation table to the right of dish machine. Employee removed container from preparation table. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed in chest freezer across from server station, raw Guinea Pig, with label Criadero de cuys sand Pedro akash. Employee States that it is the owner personal food at that it was stored there. There is no Guinea Pig offered on the menu. Employee removed raw Guinea Pig from chest freezer. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled with food debris in walk in cooler behind shelves. Observed floor soiled with food debris below cook line at kitchen.

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed container of mustard and bucket with raw meat stored on floor of walk in cooler. Employee stored mustard and raw meat 6 inches off of floor. Observed plastic container of raw chicken stored on floor. Operator stored container of raw chicken on shelf of walk in freezer. Observed to the right of white chest freezer across from server station cases of oil stored on the floor. Operator stored oil 6 inches off of floor. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in walk in freezer to the left of walk in cooler.

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on door handle of oven at cook line. Employee removed tongs from oven handle. Repeat Violation

Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle stored in flour across from walk in freezer. Employee removed scoop from floor. Repeat Violation

Basic - In-use utensil stored in 135 degree Fahrenheit water not cleaned at least once every 24 hours or when the utensil has an accumulation of soil residue, whichever occurs first. Observed spoons and tongs stored in standing water at 76F. Operator heated water to 137F. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed in reach in cooler across from fryer station soiled gaskets.

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old label on clean metal container at shelf above three compartment sink.employee removed old label. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed at reach in cooler across from server station personal beverage container. Employee removed bottle from reach in cooler. Observed personal beverage stage container in reach in cooler to the left of cook line. Employee removed container from reach in cooler Repeat Violation

Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed accumulation of grease on walls behind reach in coolers across from cook line Observed accumulation of grease on walls behind cook line in kitchen.

High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed Beef soup (61F - Cooling ); chicken soup (48F - Cooling ) in walk in cooler. As per operator since yesterday 3/13. Warning

High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed Beef soup (61F - Cooling ); chicken soup (48F - Cooling ) in walk in cooler. As per operator since yesterday 3/13. Warning

High Priority - Employee washed hands with no soap. Observed employee wash hands without using soap and begin engaging in food preparation. Warning

High Priority - Faucet at three-compartment sink does not reach all compartments. Warning

High Priority - Food/ice received from unapproved source/no invoice provided to verify source. See Stop Sale. Observed alfajores at front counter next to register from unapproved source with no invoice provided. Warning

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed bread stored in non food grade bag at front counter behind register. Operator put bread in food-grade bags. Corrected On-Site Warning

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Food contaminated by unsanitized equipment or utensil. See stop sale. Observed employee personal beverage cup stored in container of shredded lettuce at top reach in cooler on prep table across from cook line in kitchen area. Operator removed cup and discarded shredded lettuce. Observed employee drop utensil retrieve it from the floor and continue to prepare raw fish for ceviche without washing and sanitizing utensil. Inspector coach employee on proper sanitation procedures and employee placed utensil in three compartment sink to be washed and sanitized. Operator segregated raw fish to be discarded. Warning

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed alfajores at front counter next to register from unapproved source with no invoice provided. Warning

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Also observed flan (59F - Cold Holding); natilla (60F - Cold Holding); egg white cake (60F - Cold Holding) in standing reach next to coffee station. As per operator since yesterday 03/13. Warning

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed fish stock (62F - Cold Holding); chicken stock (63F - Cold Holding) on prep table bottom shelf across from cook line. As per operator for 1 hour. Also Observed flan (59F - Cold Holding); natilla (60F - Cold Holding); egg white cake (60F - Cold Holding) in standing reach next to coffee station. As per operator since yesterday 03/13. Also observed ceviche base (45F - Cold Holding); cooked rice (47F - Cold Holding); beef heart (46F - Cold Holding); chicken (46F - Cold Holding) in walk in cooler. As per operator for two hours. Warning

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed sponge and food remnants in hand washing sink across from cook line in kitchen area. Warning

Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed all ceviches on the menu not identifying which items contain raw fish. Operator marked menu during inspection. Corrected On-Site Warning

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at handwashing sink across from cook line in kitchen area. Operator provided paper towels. Corrected On-Site Warning

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle containing degreaser not labeled on storage rack next to fryer in kitchen area. Warning

Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed exterior of dishwashing machine soiled Warning

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed in dry storage area. Warning

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board next to three compartment sink in kitchen area. Warning

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed handles to reach in cooler and reach in freezer in kitchen area missing. Warning

Basic - Equipment located in an area not protected from overhead leakage of pipes, drains and other sources. Observed clean utensils exposed to splash from handwashing sink next to coffee machine at front counter. Warning

Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water under dishwashing machine. Warning

Basic - Food contaminated by unsanitized equipment or utensil. See stop sale. Observed employee personal beverage cup stored in container of shredded lettuce at top reach in cooler on prep table across from cook line in kitchen area. Operator removed cup and discarded shredded lettuce. Also observed employee drop utensil retrieve it from the floor and continue to prepare ceviche without washing and sanitizing utensil. Inspector coach employee on proper sanitation procedures and employee placed utensil in three compartment sink to be washed and sanitized. Operator segregated ceviche to be discarded. Warning

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in reach in freezer at front counter behind register. Warning

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven door handles. Warning

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils stored in standing water 81F on table next to cook line in kitchen area. Warning

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled. Warning

High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed an employee cut avocado with bare hands and serving to a dish. Operator was informed that ready to eat food cannot be touched with bare hands. Operator washed hands and put gloves on. Corrected On-Site Warning

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed several products inside of thank you bags at walk in freezer. Warning

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over fish and chicken broth at reach in cooler preparation area. Operator moved the raw beef to the walk in cooler. Corrected On-Site Warning

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw shell eggs at walk in cooler. Operator was informed that the products need to be reorganized. Warning

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed chicken soup (48 F - Cold Holding); Pasta (49 F - Cold Holding); fish broth (52 F - Cold Holding); chicken broth (52 F - Cold Holding); cooked scrambled eggs (62 F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (51 F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler located in front of stove and grill. As per operator since yesterday. Operator segregates the products to be discarded. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Warning

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken soup (48 F - Cold Holding); Pasta (49 F - Cold Holding); fish broth (52 F - Cold Holding); chicken broth (52 F - Cold Holding); cooked scrambled eggs (62 F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (51 F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler located in front of stove and grill. As per operator since yesterday. Operator segregates the products to be discarded. Corrective Action Taken Warning

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink blocked by garage can at kitchen area. Warning

Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed ceviche on the menu not identified which items contain raw fish. Warning

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed deserts not properly date marked at reach in cooler dining area. As per operator was made it more than 24 hours ago. Warning

Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed the reach in cooler three doors at 60°F. Observed chicken soup (48 F - Cold Holding); Pasta (49 F - Cold Holding); fish broth (52 F - Cold Holding); chicken broth (52 F - Cold Holding); cooked scrambled eggs (62 F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (51 F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler located in front of stove and grill. As per operator since yesterday. Operator segregates the products to be discarded. Warning

Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed raw salmon bearing the label inside of reduced oxygen packages at reach in cooler ceviche station. Operator removed the product from the vacuum packages. Corrected On-Site Warning

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Warning

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris at walk in freezer. Warning

Basic - Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Observed mashed potatoes stored next to hand wash sink exposed to splash at preparation area. Operator moved the mashed potatoes to the shelf. Corrected On-Site Warning

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven door. Warning

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water at 101°F next to grill. Warning

Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues preparation area. Warning

Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked sweet potatoes not covered at reach in cooler preparation area. Warning

Basic - Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Observed wall of unsealed wood at the entrance of the kitchen area. Warning

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw calamari stored above lettuce,located in the walk-in cooler. Repeat Violation Warning

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken breast stored above raw calamari, located in the walk-in cooler. Repeat Violation Warning

Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed for Alicia T, Miguel H, Graciela R,Angely R,Alfonso S,Lidia B, as per operator all working at the establishment for more than two months. Warning

Basic - Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine. Warning

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed in the walk-in freezer. Warning

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Operator removed to stove for heating to 135°F. Corrective Action Taken Warning

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. I in the kitchen. Repeat Violation Warning

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled with accumulation grease and food debris, unit opposite cookline. Warning

Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hood soiled with accumulation grease. Warning

Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed by the ware washing area. Repeat Violation Warning

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed for the bulk rice bin. Warning

High Priority - Hot time/temperature control for safety food received at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Kitchen: boiled corn ( as per operator about an hour ago) (102°F - Hot Holding) Operator reheated to 178°F for further hot holding. Corrective Action Taken Warning

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged, observed raw pork chops above, with tostones raw chicken with raw beef in the walk in freezer. Warning

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in cooler :entrance to kitchen: calamari (45°F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (45°F - Cold Holding); swai (45°F - Cold Holding); cooked shrimp (45°F- Cold Holding) ,as per operator about 2 hrs ago, operator placed ice packs to increase cooling. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Warning

Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Warning

Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles, observed microwave door handle,kitchen. Corrected On-Site Warning

Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired, observed ambient temperature of reach in cooler by the entrance to the kitchen at 50°F. Operator to call service technician. Warning

Basic - Food stored on floor, observed box containing raw chicken stored on the walk in freezer floor. Warning

Basic - In-use tongs stored on oven door handle between uses. Corrected On-Site Warning

Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container, observed in the flour bin. Warning

Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit, reach in cooler by entrance to the kitchen. Warning

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name,observed squeeze bottles containing sauces in the kitchen. Repeat Violation Warning